>> live and in hd, this is "good morning, washington" on your side. >> and overturned tractor trailer created an early morning traffic headache on the beltway. good news for commuters. >> these cuts do not have to happen. >> quit the clock ticking president obama hits the road to talk about the impact from the sequestered. >> so far, so good weather-wise. it is born to go downhill pretty quick. -- going to go downhill pretty quick. >> great to have you along. we are on storm watch. first, what conditions we can expect in the next few hours. >> most of the morning will be

fine. late morning into the afternoon hours is when things will kick in. garrett schools and allegheny schools have canceled for the day. some of this will be freezing. we're looking at places like martinsburg, winchester. everyone off to the west. sleet and freezing rain can be expected. winter weather advisory expected for you folks. temperatures are 34 at reagan national. the rain will be heavy especially late this afternoon and into the evening hours where one-2 inches of rain could fall. we are under flood watch. all the making it to the lower to middle forties today. a cold day. back to the news desk. >> we had some problems on the beltway this morning. >> earlier problems with a

tractor-trailer accident on the beltway. annapolis road. we're overhead. everything clear to the shoulder. so happy about that. taking a look live now as you make your travels along the beltway. no delays. this is the beltway near good luck road. this is good news for everyone in that stretch. 270, a crash from 270 to go on to 370. back to you. >> thank you. the big story here in washington, of course, the sequestration that showdown. the president hitting the road today. >> the big talk on capitol hill, and john gonzalez has the latest. we're down to the wire. >> the president will be in newport news, va., to talk about

the impact this would have on middle-class families, but at this point are americans were afraid or frustrated? billions of dollars in forced budget cuts are only three days away. the white house is warning thousands of teachers and aid jobs at risk. thousands of defense workers could be furloughed. >> these cuts do not have to happen. congress could turn them off any time with just a little bit of compromise. >> the president met in a closed-door meeting with the vendors. >> the president needs to stop trying to scare the american people. you can't cut less than 3% without having awful consequences. >> is the truth behind the numbers? -- is there truth behind the numbers? >> rid of these that-cut contract you have, and leave air

travel completely unaffected. -- get rid of these fa-cut contracts you have, and the air travel completely unaffected. >> thank you. stay with abc 7 news on complete coverage of the sequestered shu show down. mike allen will join us and weigh in on the fight to avoid the across-the-board spending cuts. >> also in the day ahead on capitol hill the senate is expected to begin the voting process to confirm chuck hagel as defense secretary. he faced harsh criticism from house republicans who questioned him on his stance on israel and iran. many gop lawmakers signaled late monday they will end the sugar ray tactics. a confirmation vote on jack lew

schedule for today. he was cast to replace timothy geiger as treasury secretary. today marks the 20th anniversary of the first bombing of the world trade center. >> a bomb in one of the towers in 1993. six people were killed. more than 1000 people hurt. six islamic instrument -- extremists were carrieconvicted in carrying out the bombing. there will be a moment of silence at 12:18 time of the explosion. >> the forecast is changing. we will be right back with what you need to know before you go. >> also, tragedy in egypt after a hot air balloon plummets to the ground.

>> welcome back. you were looking at a live view and rockwell -- are loocking at oking at a live view in rockville, maryland. and >> rain >> rain gear is needed. you want some rubber boots if you have them here yet rupertm. windchill is 29. maybe later things up underneath it to get you through the day.

clouds moved in and overnight hours. we have an area of low pressure over here and another one over here. it will keep us of the stable over the next few days. the rate will be heavy at times and could cause flooding issues in the area. report off to the west talking about freezing rain and sleet. -- off to the west talking about freezing rain and sleet. a live picture from kansas city, missouri, where they have gotten at least 5 inches. this is after getting a foot of snow at last week. travel issues expected there. about 100 whites already canceled. -- flights already canceled. amarillo airport closed because of the weather there yesterday. more specifics on our weather here coming up in a few minutes. right now we need to know what is happening on the roadways.

>> inbound near capitol street, an accident. 295 of the beltway, crews are dealing with an accident. maryland, live on 270. this is the ramp to get you on to 370. this is the ramp. overhead with news choppers 7. checking out the activity in the ravine where the car overturned. back to you. >> deja vu all over again for the nation's midsection. the latest on the impact from the second snowstorm in less than a week. >> back here at home, 34 degrees outside. a lot you're on timeout leo! ♪ ♪

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ah! woof. some things will. save up to 20% on an ikea kitchen. >> this sigood morningis "good morning washington" on your side. >> a developing story out of egypt. 18 foreign tourists have died in a hot air balloon crash. the egyptian security official says there was a fire and explosion and then doubled and fell from the sky, crashing into a sugar cane field. at this point we're told no americans were on board. >> and others know storm -- another snow storm barreling through the midwest. causing problems for those still digging out from last week's storm. this storm is bringing heavy

snow to kansas and missouri after lashing the texas panhandle with hurricane force winds. this done in the snow is a dream come true -- this snow in the fun is a dream come true for this girl. she is in remission. the make a wish foundation granted her wish to see snow and person. they flew the family to main rulebooke where they played in this note and warm up with a hot chocolate to partyea party. >> i love that. we're going to florida to the warm, and she goes for the snow. >> no snow for us. still holding out hope for one big one.

the arctic isolation is turning negative which means it will be cooled by this weekend and into early march. robertwe will have to wait and see. the winter forecast looking wet not white. most of his waking up to temperatures in the 20's. 27 in frederick. 28 degrees in winchester. manassas, good morning, 27 degrees. 28 degrees in culpeper. the clouds are here. overcast. it will be a cold, wet day. and the rain down into southern parts of virginia. it will be a number of hours before it starts to get here. it will hit areas of the west first. temperatures fell on the cold side. a winter weather advisory has been put into effect for parts of the shenandoah valley and areas off to the west.

martinsburg, winchester, you all could see some light freezing rain or sleet. the timing on the future cast has a great handle on it. it will push in late morning. into d.c. by mid-day. it will be heavy late this afternoon and into the evening hours before it diminishes after urbanite and if you we bring showers overnight and into tomorrow. there is a flood watch that has been put into effect for the montgomery county area. one-2 inches of rain here yet revising curious to the south and east could see a few more than the rest of us. forecast for today only in the 40's. for more details on the seven- day forecast and a cool down ahead, here is adam caskey. >> live in falls church along

broad street. you talked about the rain. it will be a sober today. -- a soaker today. taking a look ahead over the next seven days. we will warm up a little bit tomorrow, but it will not last long. well into the fifties tomorrow. thursday dropping down closer to 50. friday through early next week, low to mid 40's. so the cold air will be in place. also thursday, a few sprinkles. i would not be surprised if we squeezed in a brief snow shower here in there, or at least a lowfew flurries. i love this photograph. this is taken last week of the beautiful sunrise. one more great picture from my facebook friend, jeff norman.

he took that from the netherlands carillon overlooking the potomac. going to do me now with the commute. at what commute this evening but so far, so good. -- wet commute. >> orange line commuters you still need extra time. initially a broken down train. now track problems. flying above the rush hour together. 270, normal delays. it is the ramp coming off of 270 to go on to 370 that ramp is closed. a lot going on there. back to you. >> 6:20. u.s. markets suffer their 1- date -- biggest one-day drop since november. >> here is a look at what is

still on tap. why a man is ordered to walk while he whistles. >> george clooney gives the ravens take the grief on oscar's red carpet, while his girlfriend was all smiles about running it to the super bowl champ. >> cynee simpson in la for a preview of the big "into with the stars" -- "dancing with the stars" announcement. >> investors are worried and the late -- europe's debt crisis may return. the dow lost more than 200 points yesterday. loans often take a backseat to holiday shopping during the fourth quarter. the delinquency rate for all of last year was one of the low was in a while. ikea no longer serving swedish meatballs.

tests show that some contained horse meat. the company says the meatball sold in the u.s. come from american supply your. the tv ratings for the academy awards show are slightly higher than last year and the best in three years. this year's strong oscar contenders helped. that is america's money. have a great day.

>> following the debate over guns in america, a vice president will continue his debate today. he will deliver the remarks of the attorney general winter- spring meeting. he will talk about the obama's administration proposal to curb gun violence and will continue that discussion at the white house later this afternoon when

he meets with retired military officials. public schools in prince george's county will take part in a locked down drill today. that starts at 10:00 and will last about 20 minutes. it is one of several recommendations to enhance security after the deadly shooting here yet to go the third anniversary of michelle obama's "let's move"initiative. to celebrate, she will be on " good morning america."she would discuss the new guidelines for room -- she will discuss the new guidelines for "my plate." 6:26. you know the saying it was a what you work -- whistle while you work. >> robert smith was cited for

disorderly conduct for loud whistling and faced a fine of up to $500. smith said he was told to make some people happy but businesses said it was loud enough to drive away customers. he avoided that fine by agreeing to only whistle while he is walking. takeover that isn't unusual punishment. good for him. -- >> that's an unusual punishment. >> new rules for smokers at ravens games. more of what you need to know before you go. a live look over the city.

>> live and in hd, this is "good

morning, washington" on your side. >> three days until the sequestered. president obama hits the road to discuss them here yet +, john gonzalez is the living with the redskins cheerleaders here ye-- . more on that coming up. good morning, everyone. >> we are on storm watch this morning. we want to tell you about two area school closings. both of them in maryland. derrick county and allegheny school's books close today. -- gary county. ret conty andunty and allegheny schools both closed today. >> the rain still several hours

away. it's making its way into virginia right now. the weather headlines, grab your umbrella because the rain will develop by mid-day. if you live along the blue ridge and areas of to the west, sleet and freezing rain can be expected before it changes to all rain this afternoon. the evening and drive home will likely be rough because we could see one-2 inches of rainfall and a flood watch in effect for the metro area. temperatures today will be slowly rising to the middle 40's. right now time for traffic with jamie. >> a couple of items for the rush hour. 295 very slow. watching this closely. 295 as to come off the beltway jammed solid. naval research lab. i am hearing it looks like they're moving everything to the shoulder right now. expect it to be slow.

we're flying over head of the rush hour and. 270 normal delays. it is exiting from southbound 270, the ramp to 370, getting away from that a little bit. you can see here where they are closing down the access to the ramp. that is really important. we have big problems on the metro rail. >> i just got an e-mail from the spokesman up with metro. he said they had to perform some unscheduled track work outside of the west falls church station. this is in the orange line on both directions. he said commuters should expect at least 15 minute delays. if you are taking the orange line, especially impacting folks coming from the fairfax county area into the city, single- tracking between east and west

falls church. add at least 15 minutes before leaving because they have unscheduled track work they have to fix in that area. we will make sure to update the story when we get more information. >> 6:34. big news. three days away from the sequester when the automatic budget cuts will kick in. >> john gonzalez is on capitol hill. the present hitting the road. it could be a very busy couple of days ahead of us. >> can you hear the clock ticking? it is definitely taking. the defense committee will hold an oversight hearing today on capitol hill. 10:00 this morning to be exact. 5-7% cuts for most government departments is what is at stake. billions of dollars in force budget cuts are only three days away. the white house is warning thousands of teacher and a jobs are at risk.

thousands of furloughs for defense workers. the president says this could all be avoided if congress could turn it off by compromising. now some accusing the president of using scare tactics. >> i do not think we can maintain the same level of security at all places around the country with sequester. >> thousands of border patrol jobs would be cut of the sequestered goes into effect on friday. the president will be a newport news, va., today to talk about the impact this would have on middle-class families. live on capitol hill, john gonzalez, abc 7 news. >> thank you. a non-jury trial set for the principle of coolidge high school. he will beshe will be in court discuss

whether she ordered and then participated in an assault. jarrett was placed on administrative leave following the incident. a heads up for fans attending orioles or ravens games. the maryland stadium authority announced a new no-smoking policy inside the stadium starting on march 4. previously there was designated areas within the stadiums for smokers. the ravens say they will allow fans to leave the stadium to smoke and then reenter. the orioles expecting a similar statement before opening day. >> george clooney is girlfriend told baltimore ravens safety he was the most -- he was the one person she was most looking

forward to meet. george clooney told the super bowl winning safety that he is a bank will span. -- bengels fans. >> 6:37. 35 degrees. >> still ahead, we preview today's big "dancing with ♪ ♪

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washington. >> your chance to be a star. >> russian scientists say residents are beginning to turn in pieces of the media right we assault camsaw come barreling out of the sky. >> researchers say the most significant fragment was found monday evening. scientists will test them and gather more details. 1500 people were hurt in the aftermath. >> we want to check in with the of hill. as we do so, taking a live look outside the studios. doggers coming by. they will need more than just as what should later today. -- joggers coming by. if>> if you are going to run this morning is the time to do it. look at the temperatures.

a little bit later we have a brief window for a wintry mix. rain and a lot of it. 34 degrees in washington. 27 in frederick. here comes the rain. roeast of the blue ridge will be rain. west, maybe a little bit of ice. all areas shading green, one-2 inches of rain. the rest of the areas, there could be some ice. travel-wise, what is happening out there? >> the big problem is metro rail, or commuters -- orange commuters do to attract problem. this will last throughout the morning rush hour. plan for the extra time. 95, just the volume. doing fine through the beltway. 295 on the map because of a crash. northbound near the naval

research lab accident to the shoulder. extremely slow. 270 lanes are open, but still have the real close to get on to 370 because of the crash. back to you. >> roo35 degrees. coming up, an order from yahoo! 's ceo comes under fire. >> mike allen will weigh in on the talks to avoid sequester. ro > or gannett vs. fro [ anouncer ] ihop is in time square to compare new griddle-melts to your usual breakfast sandwich. a lot more flavor. [ anouncer ] ihop's new griddle melts... made fresh and hot! hand crafted just for you. it's like a sexy sandwich. [ anouncer ] compare new griddle melts yourself. just $4.99.

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we want to go right to our interview with mike allen. thank you for being here. we're talking sequestration. what are the odds we avoided at this point? pico republicans and democrats see no change of avoiding it. -- >> republicans and democrats see no change of avoiding it. they do not believe the world will come to an end. there are ways to drive out the effects a little bit. over the years we uncovered government shutdowns and they always talk about the washington monument theory. you threaten to turn out the lights in the washington monument first. threat to take a air-traffic controllers out first. there has been elevated of the ceiling is going to fall first. there will be some time for it to take effect. >> the panic among the general public. the fears may be exacerbated but there are legitimate

concerns. they feel that people in washington to not hear their concerns. are they right? >> for many people who serve the government this is an unbelievable destruction. a number of my people -- a number of people at my church work for the government. for months they have been dealing with the various crises, figuring out who is essential. it is a tremendous distraction for the many public servants in our audience. second, it really affects consumer confidence. as people think washington does not know what they are doing they worry about their income if they are a government worker or uncertainty about their taxes and could spend less. that is why even though right now all of the studies, whether it is a focus group or poll shows more blame will go to republicans, this is why people in the administration are a little worried, too. democrats are not sure how well

will affect them. if consumers pull back spending and there is another recession, that is a problem for the president. the most prominent politician in washington the president, will get some of the blame. >> we hope for some sort of resolution sooner or later, although not necessarily fall this week. >> the present and virginia talking about the cuts to defense. -- the president in virginia today talking about the cuts to defenense. >> today marks the one-year anniversary of the shooting and killing of treyvone martin. parents are focused on preserving his memory and continuing to fight for justice for their son. checking headlines from around the world, world powers have begun their fourth round of high-level talks with iranian officials. negotiators from the u.s., russia china, britain, and

germany all involved in the talks. they're hoping to stop the nuclear program for making atomic weapons. they're planning to offer some small, new relief from harsh international sanctions if they comply. yahoo!'s ceo dropped a bombshell on employees who usually work from home, come into work or quit. that is it. she returned to work to leave the -- leave the internet search giant just two weeks after she gave birth. -- lead teh and research giant just two weeks after she gave birth. = = to-- to lead the research giant just two weeks after she gave birth. >> rumors are swirling about which pros are not coming back into the starand whot e the stars

will be. good morning to you. >> we are at the abc studios in l.a., and they are keeping this announcement under lock and key. we are heading into a room right now as media, i am assuming to make sure we do not leak out information about who the cast maybe. what i can tell you is it is confirmed that the wide receiver for the ravens is definitely going to be part of the dates and with the stars past season. ron-- going to be part of the "dancing with the stars" cast this season. coming up, we will find out who

the entire cast will be. i am excited to find out. >> we will let you get back into the secret room so nothing is revealed. so glad you can join us with this. >> you sound great out there. i know you're having a lot of fun. cynee simpson live in l.a. >> time to check in with doug hill. >> a flood watch in effect for 3:00 areas east of the blue ridge. one-2 inches of rain and heavy downpours. a winter weather advisory. those of the concerns today. at the moment, it is nice out there. cold temperatures as we start

the morning. below freezing in those locations. 27 right now in frederick. the story according to future cast will be the rain to begin in the metro area, probably early afternoon hours. it will be elevation dependent. each of the mountains will get the rain and chilly temperatures. a little ice, sleet, rain. it will come and go and then later tonight be out of here. temperatures climbing into the 50s tomorrow. cloudy and cool by mid-day period of brief mixed locally. chilly temperatures and fastegusty easterly winds. temperatures turning colder as we head through the end of the

week. colder still as we head to the upcoming weekend. finding out the very latest traffic-wise. >> we've been flying over head of the commute. 270, very slow commute. this takes us down towards 370. this ramp has been reopened. this is from southbound 270 to get you on to 370. trying to retrieve the car that went over the ramp into the embankment. moving on. maryland beltway, if you heard us talk about the overnight crash near 450 and good luck road, it is gone. it looks fabulous. no delay. the next camera a little bit fuzzy. traffic heading towards us out of virginia. we are jammed to go north on 295. the accident near the naval research lab. be prepared for extra time. back to you. robe>> now to the oscars.

interesting news about the dress that obama wore when she announced best picture. take a look at the difference. a semi-official iranian news agency altered her image to appeal to the more conservative readers. it was photoshoped to show the first lady with a lot more dress and less than. -- less skin. >> one on one with the first lady. what was the plan to get her to do this, announced the winner for best picture. also, the new cast of dancing with the stars. that is revealed next year. >>-- next here. >> 0 roundup of today's top

stories. -- a rounup of today's top stories. >> heads up for those of orange line. workers are on the scene. metro says plan to build 15 extra minutes into your commute if you are taking the orange line in both directions between east and west feltbound church. >> sequestration frustration. the defense subcommittee will hold an oversight hearing later this afforded on capitol hill. thousands of defense jobs could be cut on friday. later today the president will be in newport news, perch it yet, to talk about the impact on middle-class families. he calls it devastating impact. back to you. >> here is what you need to know before you go. >> delays and cancellations at the airport, especially those flights headed to the midwest.

up to 15 inches or more expected in parts of missouri. >> the non-jury trial for thelma jarrett. she will be in court and answer questions that she ordered an assault and participated in an assault. >> for more information on any of these stories, visit our website at wjla.com. >> 6:55 now. time to check in to see what the weather is going to have in store for us. she is outside. >> it feels better right now than it did yesterday morning. we have the cloudiness, and that provide a blanket to keep temperatures up a little bit. 34 degrees at reagan national. temperatures only making it in gilrothe low to mid 40's. by noon we think the rain will

move in. areas along i-81 and areas to the rest will see rain. all rain for everyone by 5:00 with 45 degrees. we think the rain will be heavy. a flood watch in effect for the metro area. a good inch of rain or more could be expected. re rep watch out for the smaller streams and creeks -- watch out for the smaller streams and creeks. that is it from here. do not forget the umbrella for later on today. back to you. >> still a few months away from the start of the nfl season. >> true but the redskins cheerleaders are ready to select a new group. oh, boy. that is john gonzalez. usually men are not allowed in the auditions. the cheerleaders did a special exception for him. look at him working it. he tried out this week. as you can see, he started with

some of the moves. for those who are hoping to become an official cheerleader glasses will begin this week. they will be held tuesdays and thursdays until april. information on our website where you can not only find out how to officially audition, but to see more of these highlights. there are a lot of them. >> he can do some great pushups. we saw that. good for you. >> good morning america is coming up next. >> for continuing news coverage, turn into news channel 8.